“Not every question demands an immediate response.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 6, 2026
Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Proverbs 17:27, ESV
One of my favorite prayers comes from a 20th-century monk called Elder Sophrony, who composed a beautiful prayer simply titled “Prayer at Daybreak.” It is too long to share in its entirety, but a portion of the prayer toward the end resonates most deeply with me today:
By the power of Thy love, grant me to hold fast to that which is good. Preserve me from every word or deed that corrupts the soul; from every impulse unpleasing in Thy sight and hurtful to my brother-man. Teach me what I should say and how I should speak. If it be Thy will that I make no answer, inspire me to keep silent in a spirit of peace that causeth neither sorrow nor hurt to my fellow. Establish me in the path of Thy commandments and to my last breath let me not stray from the light of Thine ordinances, that Thy commandments may become the sole law of my being on this earth and in all eternity.
Though many lines in this prayer are worthy of close study and application, there is a single phrase that has stayed with me ever since I heard it: “Inspire me to keep silent.” Right before this line, he offers a petition that, to me, sounds familiar and resonates with my experience in the Christian life. “Teach me what I should say and how I should speak.” I’ve prayed a version of this prayer more times than I can count. I’ve spent most of my life in public Christian ministry, giving sermons, teaching classes, and offering spiritual counsel to countless people. As such, I have felt like I always have to have something to say and need an answer to any question someone might pose. My struggle, therefore, hasn’t been with finding the right words. My struggle is with silence.
Not every question demands an immediate response. Silence, in fact, may be the response that is demanded, and when we ignore the Lord’s invitation into silence, we can instead rush ahead and offer explanation and defense when grief or humility are required. Simply put, it is hard to stay silent, especially when we feel like we have something to say! But again, this is why I love this prayer so much. Look at the type of silence he is praying for: “Inspire me to keep silent in a spirit of peace that causeth neither sorrow nor hurt.”
Silence can be born out of the peace of the Spirit and is, in fact, the most loving thing we can do for others. It isn’t always loving to offer a response. It isn’t always loving to point out someone’s mistakes, flaws, or errors in thinking. Before you decide to speak, ask yourself this question: Will my words deepen in this person a spirit of peace, or will they cause sorrow, hurt, and pain? Prayerfully consider that question and ask the Lord daily for the wisdom to know when to speak and when to stay silent.
Prayer
Father, inspire us to live daily in your peace and to live by your commandments, knowing when to speak out boldly in your name and when to remain silent, that we may not hurt those you love. We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Application
Consider praying this beautiful prayer as you start your day each day this week, asking the Lord for the inspiration to keep silent in a spirit of peace.
Related Reading
Proverbs 11:12; Proverbs 21:23; Psalm 141:3
Worship Resource
The Worship Initiative: Let My Words Be Few
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